Valley Medical Institute

Valley Medical Institute’s Phlebotomy program in Bridgeport, Connecticut, trains students to collect blood and other medical specimens and support clinical laboratory teams, preparing them to become certified phlebotomists. The program covers venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen documentation, infection control, urinalysis, body fluids, and laboratory practices through cognitive and hands-on clinical training. The primary daytime pathway runs for four weeks with weekday classes; evening and Saturday formats are also available, with longer tracks extending to five or ten weeks. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and to have a high school diploma or GED or pass the VMI entrance exam. English proficiency and a completed enrollment agreement and application are also required.

At a glance

• Leads to: Certified phlebotomist

Valley Medical Institute’s EKG Technician program in Bridgeport, Connecticut, trains students to perform diagnostic cardiac tests and assess heart rhythm and rate as entry-level EKG technicians. The program provides theory, academic instruction, and clinical education focused on cardiac anatomy, electrophysiology, rhythm interpretation, cardiac blocks, pacemaker rhythms, and 12-lead EKG analysis. It is delivered through in-person day, evening, or Saturday classes and runs from three to five weeks, depending on the schedule. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED or pass the institute’s entrance exam, and demonstrate English proficiency.

Valley Medical Institute’s Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA) program in Bridgeport, Connecticut, prepares students to work as nursing assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Training covers nursing assistant skills, patient safety, resident care, infection control, vital signs, patient mobility, and clinical procedures. The program is delivered in person through classroom theory and hands-on clinical training, with a primary daytime schedule lasting four weeks; evening and Saturday schedules run longer. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and to hold a high school diploma or GED or pass the VMI entrance exam. Applicants also need a physical exam, evidence of a negative tuberculin test or chest X-ray, freedom from communicable diseases, and English proficiency.

At a glance

• Format: In person
• Next start: Monthly start dates
• Leads to: Nursing assistant work
• Payment plan: available (per the school's page)

Valley Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant Program in Bridgeport, Connecticut, trains students to support dentists with chairside procedures, radiography, laboratory work, and dental office tasks. The program prepares students to sit for DANB’s ICE exam, which supports Connecticut’s infection control certification requirement for dental assistants. Instruction is delivered in person through classroom theory and hands-on practice in the school’s dental operatory. The primary day and evening schedules run for six weeks, while a Saturday schedule runs for 15 weeks. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED or pass the VMI entrance exam, and demonstrate English proficiency.

At a glance

• Format: In person
• Leads to: DANB’s ICE exam for Connecticut dental assistant infection control certification
• Payment plan: available (per the school's page)

Patient Care Technician (PCT) at Valley Medical Institute in Bridgeport, Connecticut, prepares students for entry-level patient care roles alongside doctors, nurses, and support staff in hospitals, assisted living centers, rehabilitation clinics, and nursing homes. The program includes phlebotomy and electrocardiogram modules and leads to national certification. In-person instruction is available during daytime, evening, or Saturday classes and runs across tracks lasting 11 to 30 weeks. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED or pass the VMI entrance exam, and demonstrate English proficiency. Completion of the enrollment agreement, application, and an interview with a school director are also listed as admissions requirements.

At a glance

• Format: In person
• Leads to: national certification

Valley Medical Institute’s Medical Billing & Coding Specialist program in Bridgeport, Connecticut, prepares students for administrative healthcare roles as medical billers and coders. Coursework covers medical terminology, diagnostic and procedure coding, medical documentation, insurance programs, billing, claims, reimbursement, and keyboarding. The program includes a clinical externship completed online using a patient database. Classes are offered during the day or evening on weekdays, with a primary four-week daytime pathway and a longer evening option. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED or pass the institute’s entrance exam, and demonstrate English proficiency.